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From Pakistan to France: On the International Day for Victims of Religious Violence, OIDAC Europe calls attention to those whose stories go unheard Vienna, 22 August 2026 – Ahead of the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, OIDAC Europe calls for greater public attention to the millions of people worldwide who experience violence and persecution because of their faith – and whose stories often remain under-reported. “Religious persecution affects millions of people, yet there is sometimes a shocking lack of public interest in their fate. Other human rights causes mobilise large parts of our societies, while victims of religious persecution often struggle to make their voices heard,” says Anja Tang, Executive Director of the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe (OIDAC Europe). “August 22 should be a wake-up call and, above all, a day to remember those whose suffering takes place far from the cameras.”
France recorded 843 anti-Christian incidents in 2025, representing a 9% increase compared to the previous year, according to the French government's latest report on anti-religious offences. While offences against Christian property continue to account for the vast majority of recorded cases, the report highlights a particularly alarming development: offences against individuals increased by 70% in a single year.
How can governments, churches, and civil society better prevent and respond to anti-Christian hate crimes? This was the question addressed at a workshop in Rome, which brought together representatives of Christian communities, civil society organisations, international experts and public authorities to discuss the implementation of the new OSCE/ODIHR Guide on addressing anti-Christian hate crime. OIDAC Europe was invited to present current data and reporting strategies as part of an expert panel.
